Description
This motorcycle is Lot 215 of Bonhams Motorcycles Online – The Summer Sale; open for bidding 5-15th June 2026. This Lot is available for public view and eventual collection from Bonhams Motorcycle Department, Milton Keynes.
Please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Bidding on all Lots commences Friday 5 June, 12:00 noon.
Bidding closes Monday 15 June, 12:00 noon, starting with Lot 1
Each subsequent Lot will then close one minute apart unless bidding remains active.
Public Viewing (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY):
All Lots:
Wednesday 10 June, 9am - 5pm
Thursday 11 June, 9am - 5pm
Please email using the button below with your availability to schedule an appointment.
Lot 215
1955 Norton 498cc Dominator 88 Project
Registration no. RGN 693
Frame no. K122 63011
Engine no. 63011 K122
Norton jumped aboard the vertical-twin bandwagon in 1948 when it introduced the Model 7. Designed by the legendary Bert Hopwood, the new 500cc engine went into the existing ES2 plunger-frame/ tele-fork cycle parts, a marriage that necessitated a redesign of Norton's well-proven four-speed gearbox. In November 1951 Norton's 500cc twin found a new home in the racing singles' 'Featherbed' duplex frame. Initially for export only, the newcomer - titled 'Dominator 88' - was the first production Norton roadster to feature the lightweight, race-proven chassis. Updated year by year, the Dominator had received an alloy cylinder head, full-width hubs, welded rear sub-frame, alternator electrics and coil ignition by the decade's end and - for 1960 - the narrower 'slimline' Featherbed frame among countless other improvements. Motor Cycle magazine clocked 92mph on an '88' in 1957 and, needless to say, the handling and roadholding were found to be first class.
This Norton Dominator 88 belonged to the late Robert Munday, the lady vendor's father. Bob was a well-known and highly respected figure within the Vintage Motor Cycle Club (VMCC) and was heavily involved with the club for many years. A matching numbers example, the Norton was in the middle of being restored by Bob when he passed away in 2013, since when it has remained on the workbench in the family garage. The family has now decided that the time has come to sell the machine. Offered as a project, the Norton is currently a non-runner and is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to this machine's history, authenticity, originality, mechanical condition and completeness (or otherwise) prior to bidding. Offered with an old-style V5C Registration Certificate. Key not required.
All lots are sold ‘as is/ where is’ and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
